Warning: $249K Lost to WhatsApp Impersonation Scams

SINGAPORE – Beware of WhatsApp messages claiming to be from your loved ones asking for money. Recent reports indicate that over $249,000 has been stolen through impersonation scams in just six weeks.

The Rise of Impersonation Scams

According to a statement from the police released on October 21, there have been at least 128 reported cases of this type of fraud since September. Scammers hijack WhatsApp accounts, pretending to be family members, friends, or colleagues. They typically request loans or urgent financial assistance.

How the Scammers Operate

These fraudsters often claim they are unable to perform bank transactions due to various reasons, such as exceeding transfer limits or needing immediate help for payments. Victims frequently receive messages from individuals posing as their children, asking for funds for artificial intelligence courses or exchange programs.

The police caution everyone to remain vigilant. If you get an unexpected request for money, it’s vital to verify the message by contacting the person directly.

Protecting Yourself Against Scams

To safeguard your WhatsApp account, consider enabling two-step verification and regularly reviewing the devices linked to your account. The police also recommend downloading the ScamShield app, which helps block scam calls and filter out suspicious messages.

The public is encouraged to seek more information about scams on the official ScamShield website or to get in touch with the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Scam Statistics in Singapore

Singapore has experienced over $4 billion in scam losses since 2019, with $410.6 million lost to various scams in the first half of 2026. Although losses decreased this year from $500.2 million in 2025, impersonation scams remain a prevalent issue.

In 2026, reported losses from social media impersonation scams surged by 71.3%, rising from $2.2 million in the first half of 2025 to $3.9 million during the same period in 2026. Notably, fraud via compromised WhatsApp accounts comprised 66.6% of all social media impersonation cases reported, with 391 instances documented in the first half of 2026.